They chirp. Buzz. Play Katy Perry’s latest hit and even ring. Mostly, cell phones distract.
In Kentucky, any driver under 18 years old cannot use a cell phone while the car is moving.
Texting is illegal for drivers of any age. That means even a quick read or a snappy LOL, with or without emoticons.
So, why was that young driver so studiously studying her lap as she swerved ever-so-slightly but enough to rattle me, as traffic raced to merge onto the Brent Spence Bridge and cross the mighty Ohio River?
Into my lane. Over to the next.
I’m surprised she didn’t hear me shouting.
Kentucky has one of the highest teen crash rates in the country, according to the state’s Department of Transportation. Teens are six percent of the state’s drivers, yet:
- 18 percent of fatal accidents involve teen drivers and
- 20 percent of all accidents involve teen drivers.
It’s not just the kids who put common sense aside when they pick up their cell phone to check a message or send one.
The National Safety Council, having designated April Distracted Driving Awareness Month, wants us all to know that multitasking is a myth, and that the brain on technology (yes, even hands-free) is a brain distracted. It points to more than 30 studies which show that when drivers are talking on a cell phone, they “can miss seeing up to half of what’s around them, such as traffic lights, stop signs and pedestrians.”
Gov. Steve Beshear joined forces with police and transportation officials a few years back to spread the word. “No Text on Board” decals were placed on state cars and trucks, and billboards exhorted drivers, “Don’t text and drive.” The governor said he’d taken the pledge, reminding Kentuckians, “When you are driving, don’t text “” it can wait.”
University of Kentucky hoops coach Matthew Mitchell was featured in a series of public service announcements telling young drivers to put down their cell phones and pay attention.
“One text or call could wreck it all,” said Mitchell.
Get the message?
